The Montignoso Castle

Once a primitive Byzantine fortress, castle still dominates landscape

Montignoso

The Aghinolfi Castle is one of the most characteristic features of Montignoso’s territory, which was formerly populated by people from the Liguri Apuani area. This castle is one of the oldest in Italy. It was designed to defend the area and the castle itself was never conquered. The Aghinolfi Castle dominates its surrounding landscape which Pisa, Lucca and Genova disputed for centuries. This structure was probably constructed on the foundations of an early Byzantine fortress. Today, it remains an important point of reference for the area. It has become the subject of ample study regarding various areas. The castles unique octagonal shape make it very different from other fortresses in the Lunigiana area.

Montignoso and its castle, were under Lucca’s jurisdiction until 1845, when it fell under the dominion of the Estensi Family before becoming part of the Massa Carrara province.
THE HISTORIC TOWN CENTRE
Castello Aghinolfi
This castle, which dominates the panorama, was strategically important and constantly fought over by the military forces of Pisa, Genoa and Lucca. ...